Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Dodging Potholes

In Michigan people joke that there are two seasons:  Winter and Road Construction.  If winter ever evacuates, the road crews have job security to say the least.  While navigating the tire-wreaking moguls to pick up my daughters from school I thought about how metaphoric these roads are to life.  We drive down pathways wanting to go at our own pace hoping no one or nothing gets in our way.  Just down the road we may need to pull over to change a tire or suddenly stop for any number of interruptions.  No one knows what the future holds.  Thank God for Faith and Roadside Assistance (I have not needed the latter yet, thankfully)! 


Speaking of unexpectedness, I just finished reading the novel "Widow of the South" by Robert Hicks.  Typically I am not an avid reader and I have never been interested in reading about the gory details of the Civil War.  However, while we were vacationing in Tennessee a few weeks ago we took a wrong turn on our way to downtown Franklin and we stumbled upon the Carnton Plantation.  A beautiful Antebellum plantation.  I was curious to see the beautiful architecture and decorations inside, so we took a guided tour.  This hour long tour changed me.  It painted a picture of the Civil War that I have never before been able to imagine or grasp the details of.


This gorgeous home was the plantation of John and Carrie McGavock.  They were very wealthy and on November 30, 1864 the bloodiest five hours of the Civil War were fought on their land and their lovely home became a field hospital where they performed amputations and procedures in an attempt to spare lives.  The lady of the house, Carrie teamed up with two doctors. She cut up her fancy linens to make bandages, served food and drinks, and most importantly calmed the boys in a motherly fashion.  Every room in her house was full of injured Confederate soldiers and there were nearly 9,500 Confederate and Union soldiers dead outside.  The floors are still stained with blood today, 150 years later, which is incredibly heartbreaking to see. 


The McGavock's created a 2 acre cemetery on their land and buried 1,500 Confederate soldiers.  Maintaining the cemetery and communicating with the families of the fallen boys became Carrie's lifelong philanthropy.  Imagine if Carrie had "dodged the pothole" and told the General to lead his men elsewhere?  This battle changed the lives of this family and everyone who was involved.  For me, walking through this historic battlefield, cemetery, and home made it seem like 150 years was not so long ago.  This was an eye opening and very real experience for me to see, hear, and read about the details of this Battle of Franklin.


In Michigan as we continue to dodge potholes and move forward through the final weeks of a record-breaking, brutally cold and snowy winter, I look forward to warm sunshine, Spring blossoms, and smoother roads.  Tomorrow is never promised, but we must take comfort in the hope that we will navigate through the potholes being stronger on the other side.  Carrie McGavock to me is a symbol of bravery and compassion even throughout her darkest days and I felt compelled to share her story of strength and courage with you.


For more information visit the Carnton Plantation website




Monday, February 10, 2014

Landscape Design Service

Are you longing for landscaping that will compliment your home and create cohesive curb appeal, but not sure where to begin?  No matter the size of your yard, a well thought-out design will make a big impact.  Whether you need plant suggestion or a complete renovation, Designing Dreams on a Dime can help you transform your front yard or back yard into a beautiful oasis.

Unbelievable before and after.  Click here to see project details.  

Expectations
Designing Dreams will be provide clients with scaled plans, sections, perspective drawings, as well as colorful renderings and photos to communicate the design vision from designer to client and/or landscape professional.  Native plants will be chosen based on zoning and unique planting conditions for your property (sun/shade, soil conditions, etc).  The style of architecture and neighborhood restrictions will be noted to create a seamless landscape. 

Example
Client project from last year.  Flowerbeds were planned out, beautifully constructed and planted in the Fall of 2013.  Now we anxiously wait to see the beauty unfold this Spring!  After pictures will be added this Summer.

Front Yard Transformation




Backyard Flowerbed Addition



Pricing:
I charge $25.00 per hour and will be as involved as you would like me to be.  Beyond visualizing and drawing out the plans, I will see the project through from start to finish and be as hands-on as you would like.  It is my ultimate goal to offer affordable design choices without compromising style or quality.

* Color Consultation and Interior Decorating services also available.  
Contact:
Designer:  Sheri Ohly, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architectural Illustration, LTU
Phone:  (248) 505-3673
Email:  sherilynnohly@yahoo.com
Location:  Metro Detroit, Michigan
Facebook Page:  Designing Dreams on a Dime








      


Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Interior Decorating Service



Designing Dreams on a Dime offers a broad spectrum of assistance in helping  to achieve the look that you desire in your home.  Each project is unique and every client has different needs and goals.  I will do my best to go above and beyond your expectations in achieving whatever design goals you may have.  Listed below are examples of my expertise: 

Experience:
Visualizing: Communicate design ideas through Sketches, Plans, Renderings, Digital Design Boards, and Photographs. 
Choosing Finishes:  Flooring, Wall Coverings, Cabinetry, Light Fixtures, etc.
Furniture:  Choosing new, Refurbishing, Refinishing, Rearranging, Custom
Window Treatments:  Hardware, Curtains, Blinds, Custom Creations
Home Staging:  Rearranging using your items, New, or a Combination
Accessorizing: Artwork, Displays, Framing & Matting
Organizing:  Everything in its place and a place for everything
Customizing:  Adding details to make your space uniquely beautiful

To see more completed interior décor projects by Designing Dreams click here

Current Project:  Before & Sketch of floating shelves for entertainment system 

Pricing:
I charge $25.00 per hour and will be as involved as you would like me to be.  Beyond visualizing and drawing out the plans, I will see the project through from start to finish and be as hands-on as you would like.  It is my ultimate goal to offer affordable design choices without compromising style or quality.

* Color Consultation and Landscape Design services also available.  
Contact:
Designer:  Sheri Ohly, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architectural Illustration, LTU
Phone:  (248) 505-3673
Email:  sherilynnohly@yahoo.com
Location:  Metro Detroit, Michigan
Facebook Page:  Designing Dreams on a Dime


Accessorizing a Mantle with properly scaled family photos